Overall Trends
Total, fatal, and serious accidents in the selected range.
Premium research interface
The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.
Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.
63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Search everything
Fast key and full-text search with live filters, watches, and precise metadata.
Use quotes for exact phrase matches (for example "fuel selector valve").
Featured Report
Safety trends by operating rule
Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.
Loading trend charts…
High-signal investigations
Major cases, deep-report coverage, and investigation media across decades of NTSB history.
Browse the aviation graph
Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.
Last Data Update
By Decade
By Month
Aircraft Manufacturer
More manufacturersAirports
More airportsOperators
More operatorsAbout
Aviation safety reports, made easier to study
NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.
The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.
The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.
FAQs
NTSB Report
January 13, 1997 · Piper PA-32-260 · N33797
St. Ignace, MI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 13, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
St. Ignace, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N33797
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA051
The airplane drifted to the left during the takeoff roll. The left wing contacted a snowbank which resulted in the airplane turning around 180 degrees prior to coming to a stop.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the takeoff roll. A factor associated with the accident was the snowbank which the airplane contacted.
Full Narrative
On January 13, 1997, at 0715 eastern standard time, a Piper PA- 32-260, N33797, operated by Great Lakes Air, Inc., collided with a snowbank while taking of on runway 27 (3,400' x 100') at the St. Ignace- Mackinac County Airport, St. Ignace, Michigan. The 14 CFR Part 135 passenger flight was en route to Mackinac Island, Michigan. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and five passengers were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported on NTSB Form 6120.1/2, "A light snow was falling at the time. During the take-off I allowed the aircraft to drift to the left and the aircraft left wing hit a snow bank which turned the nose further to the left. The aircraft then turned 180 degrees and stopped on the runway."
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:15 EST
Nearest AirportMackinac County Airport (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN33797
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind280° @ 5 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingOvercast 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO